Tarot Decks and Books

There are many Tarot decks and books available, but the quality to quantity ratio is low. Our recommended decks are those that have stood the test of time, and these include a version of the Marseilles deck, which we use for our site and readings.

The Thoth Tarot is a beautiful deck, replete with symbolism, that works on many different levels. The cards were painted by Lady Frieda Harris under the guidance of Aleister Crowley, but the deck remained unpublished during their lifetimes.

The Rider-Waite Tarot is possibly the most popular deck available, and its clean, simple, symbolic approach is very appealing. The cards were painted by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite. Rider was Waite's publisher, but Waite-Smith is a more appropriate name for this deck.

The Marseilles Tarot originated in medieval Europe, and its classic style and structure became the template on which most Tarot decks from the eighteenth century on were based. Our decision to use the Marseilles Tarot for our site and readings was influenced by its simple, time-honored design.

This is Crowley's exposition of the symbolism that lies behind his Thoth Tarot Deck, and it is an essential companion to that deck for those interested in using the cards for more than mere divination.

Waite's book is subtitled "Fragments of a Secret Tradition Under the Veil of Divination," and is, in part, an illustrated discussion of the depictions and divinatory meanings of the cards in the Rider-Waite Tarot Deck.